Phqto-utmo



(No Model.)

3.1.. SAUNDERS.

` STRONG BOX.

Patented Feb. 12, 1895.

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ms Norms Pcrsns co. Prroaumo., WASHINGTON. D. c.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

SAMUEL L. SAUNDERS, OF LYNN, MASSACHUSETTS. I

STRONG-BOX.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters PatentvNo. 534,012, dated February 12, 1895. Application filed March 22, 1894. Serial No.504,688. (No model.)

To all whom it may concern.-

Be it known that I, SAMUEL L. SAUNDERs, of Lynn, Essex county, in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, have invented certain Improvements in Strong-Boxes, of which the following, read in connection with the accompanying drawings, is a full and complete speciication.

My improvement is especially applicable to that class of strong boxes which are used as receptacles forjewelry, papers, or other small articles of value, and is designed so as to make the strong box to which it is applied burglar proof so far as such small boxes can be made so.

In the drawings Figure 1 is a view, in section and perspective of a strong. box embodying my improvement. Fig. 2 is a cross-section of the lid and cover portion of the box.

Fig. 3 shows in section the joint on which the lid turns, as it looks with thelid closed. Fig. t shows the lid raised to its full height.

B is the body of the box which may be provided with a false bottom as E,adapted to be secured to the door or to an immovable piece 'of furniture, and to which by means of the screw N the box itself may be secured.

The body of the box is constructed with part of the cover integral with the body portion or rigidly secured thereto. This portion is marked M in the drawings. The lid L, which is provided with a downward turning edge on all sides so that when closed the joint between lid and body ofthe box is thoroughly protected, has upon its rear side a flange marked F, which projects under the cover portion M lying closely against said cover portion when the lid L is closed, (Fig. 3.) A slot is made in this lid in such manner that the curved end of a spring, S, ts into the slot and exerts its bias to hold the lid L, and cover portion M, closely in contact with each other. When the lid L is raised the spring S constantly urges it to close, so that in no event can the box be left open carlessly.

A spring lock Y, is provided so that the box invariably closes itself, and secures the contents.

In order to secure the lid against any effort to slide it toward the front of the box, there are provided lugs, n, n, which are situated on the under side of the lid L, far enough from the downward flanged edge to permit the front of the box-body to enter between lugs and edge, and yet near enough to the edge to prevent any sliding forward of the lid.

It is to be observed that the box is made with no vulnerable joints through which a saw or similar instrument can be inserted. I have shown the spring *S secured to the interior of the box by screws ci', @which do `not project through the sides of the box. When closed the box presents a uniform, smooth and jointless surface, the only crevices being between the lid L and the cover portion M, and between the sides of the box and the downward curved edges of the lid L. These crevices are reinforced and protected by the metal of. the flange F and by the top of the lid, L. By this construction I dispense with all pivotshinges or similar means of articulation which in the yclass of boxes to which my improvement applies would necessarily be small, weak, and exposed to the operations of any one intending to break into the box.

I claim as my invention- The combination in a strong box of a coverportion integral with or rigidly secured to the body of the box, andaanged lid operating conjointly with said cover portion and held in turning contact therewith by a spring or equivalent pressure, substantially as described.

SAMUEL. L. SAUNDERS.

Witnesses: l

E. F. GEoLL, G. M. SHAY. 

